The writing is on the wall for one of Trae Young or Dejounte Murray, as the Atlanta Hawks still believe their best path forward is with one star lead guard rather than two, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
Murray has both acquitted himself well and raised his trade value with Young out, averaging All-Star numbers in his absence. In the 22 games since Young has been sidelined, he’s averaged 24.6 points, 9.0 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. The Hawks are 12-10 in these contests. Young, a three-time All-Star, likely still has a higher trade value. However, there are questions about his willingness to sacrifice shot attempts for his team. Furthermore, Atlanta was 24-32 before he was injured against the Toronto Raptors on Feb. 23.
Will the Hawks Trade Trae Young or Dejounte Murray?
The question for the Hawks: do they prefer the smallish floor general who prefers to take long bombs or the lanky point guard with a heavy diet of midrange shots?
To add, the former has long had a poor reputation defensively. However, this season, he’s taking it upon himself to be more committed to the defensive end. Conversely, the latter is beginning to develop a reputation as an underwhelming on-ball defender. Yet, he’s long been considered a two-way playmaker who’s particularly effective at racking up steals.
In either case, the player that fits best beside them in the backcourt is an upper-echelon defender. Furthermore, as both players are naturally better off-the-dribble, they need an off-ball shooting threat beside them.
Potential Trade Targets
This offseason, several players that fit that mold could be available in either free agency or the trade market: New York Knicks wing OG Anunoby, Los Angeles Clippers swingman Paul George, and Golden State Warriors wing Andrew Wiggins are just a few such players.
Of those three, Anunoby may be the most likely trade acquisition, as the Hawks have long had their eyes on the stud defender. Traded by the Toronto Raptors ahead of the New Year, Anunoby has played exceptionally with the Knicks when he’s healthy. The problem is that he’s missed more games than he’s played with New York after undergoing elbow surgery. As a result, the Knicks have a tough decision to make concerning his impending free agency. That said, Murray is a likelier target for New York than Young and has already been linked to the Knicks.
George’s availability also concerns contract negotiations with his current team. If he and the Clippers can’t settle on a number, the Hawks may swoop in and offer him a near-max in a sign-and-trade scenario. Wiggins may become available if the Warriors believe a frontcourt of Jonathan Kuminga, Draymond Green, and Trayce Jackson-Davis is the best path forward.
A Dark Horse Candidate
Minnesota Timberwolves big man Karl-Anthony Towns should be considered a dark horse candidate.
Atlanta doesn’t have a firm sense of who should start between Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu. They may have to replace Saddiq Bey in the offseason, as his untimely injury complicates his contract negotiations. Furthermore, De’Andre Hunter feels more comfortable coming off of the bench. As a result, fixing up the frontcourt should be on their to-do list. If so, Towns fits as a 7-foot hybrid big man who can play either center or power forward. Timberwolves leader Mike Conley signed a two-year contract extension but will be 37 before the 2024-25 season begins, leaving the door open for Young or Murray to head to Minnesota.
